Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Director of Engineering (EMS Contract Manufacturing)
Career Insights for Director of Engineering
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Connecticut data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Director of Engineering is in charge of engineering teams for an organization, involved in all engineering planning, execution and review as part of the senior leadership. Works with other teams such as sales and customer support to ensure success of engineering projects.
$182,389 / year median in Connecticut
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Experience:
Manager Salary:
$160,000 - $180,000 per year Job Details -
Key Responsibilities:
Operations & Continuous Improvement Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) Identify and drive process improvements across SMT lines, PCB assembly, and supporting operations Implement and sustain Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, etc.) Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and drive corrective actions Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime through structured problem-solving methodologies Engineering Leadership Oversee engineering activities related to process development, troubleshooting, and optimization Partner with production to resolve complex technical and process challenges Support new product introductions (NPI) and ensure smooth transition into production Drive best practices across SMT processes including soldering, reflow, pick-and-place, inspection, etc. Team Development & Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for engineering and operations teams Identify skill gaps and implement training / development plans Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with quality, supply chain, and production leadership to align operational goals Drive collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams to improve execution Support customer needs and ensure alignment with delivery and quality expectations
Qualifications:
Required:
7-10+ years of experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT / PCB environment required) Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams (engineering or maintenance) Strong background in Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Hands-on experience with SMT processes (pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, etc.) Demonstrated success driving operational efficiency, process improvements, and accountability ITAR eligibility required; experience working in an ITAR-regulated environment is a strong plus Individual must be a US Citizen due to ITAR regulations
Preferred:
IPC certification (IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, etc.) Experience with high-mix, low-volume or high-speed production environments Exposure to automation, process engineering, or advanced manufacturing technologies A bit about us: - We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Operations Leader to drive performance, efficiency, and team development within a fast-paced
SMT / PCB
manufacturing environment. This role will lead engineering and operations initiatives focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence, while developing and scaling a high-performing technical team. The ideal candidate brings a strong Lean Manufacturing mindset, deep experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT/PCB), and the ability to drive accountability and measurable results across the organization.
•Relocation assistance available for those not local to the area Why join us? - Medical, Dental, Vision coverage 401(k) with company match Relocation assistance Annual performance bonus Generous PTO & sick leave #manufacturing #pcb #smt #process-improvement #lean-manufacturing #ipc #8-years-of-manufacturing-leadership-experience #smb-manufacturing #tier1
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Bonuses/Stipends